Monday, December 15, 2008

Half-pint Gets Stitches...

On Thursday evening, Half-pint decided that he was finished eating his dinner before the rest of us. This is not unusual, and we're not real sticklers for him staying at the table. He generally plays in the family room, (just off the kitchen where we usually eat). While Daddy, Quarter-pint and I were finishing our meal, Half-pint was up to his usual antics: climbing over the top of the couch, and who knows what else. Then it happened-the blood curling scream that can only mean injury and pain. I jumped up from the table and rushed to him; he was writhing on the floor, crying. When I picked him up I did the usual scan to try to figure out where he was hurt (I didn't actually see him fall, so I really wasn't sure where to look). I quickly realized he hit his ear on the side of the coffee table (which has beveled glass on the top) as he fell off the couch. There was a GAPING wound on the side of his ear! We quickly got a cold, wet paper towel to help stop the bleeding; and Daddy and I agreed without any words between us that he needed to go to urgent care (we thought that would be faster than the ER). We loaded everybody in the car and off we went. There was very little waiting at UC (thankfully!) We didn't tell or show Half-pint what happened, partly because we didn't want him to get too worried, and I was trying not to freak out myself. When it was our turn to be seen by the UC staff, Half-pint's only concern was "No shots!" I knew he needed stitches, and I knew he was going to get a shot first. He was really brave until they laid him down on the table and wrapped him in a sheet to keep his arms from moving (I was worried about having to hold him still-that goodness for that sheet!). He got really worried when they covered his face with a paper sheet with a hole exposing only his ear. Then the panic set in. He was hot, tired, scared of shots, and in pain. The poor kid! He ended up getting a shot in his ear, and then they began the process of sewing him up; 5 or 6 stitches, it's hard to tell exactly how many. Thankfully, all the ear tissue was still there (both Daddy and I thought there might be a piece missing, but his laceration was only hanging open, as I guess often happens with that sort of injury) and it should heal "nicely" according to the PA that did the repair. When he hit the coffee table, the impact cut through the side of his ear, and also behind his ear. There is a HUGE bruise on the bony bump just behind the ear, and a laceration there. That spot didn't need much attention. About half of his little ear is bruised-in all shades. So, stitches for 5-7 days, then I get to take him back in to have them removed. That should be fun! He's done very well, just taking pain medication. Occasionally he'll say, "Mom, we take the stitches off now?" I'm a little surprised it's taken almost four years to have our first set of stitches.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Half-pint Decorates the Christmas Tree...

Half-pint was really excited to help me decorate the Christmas tree this year! After Daddy and I got the tree up the basement stairs, and hauled up all the ornaments, Half-pint could barely contain himself. We worked together as a team, while Daddy tried to keep Quarter-pint out of all the tree ornaments. Half-pint did a great job. I had to laugh at all the ornaments in a line around the tree-right at his height. I didn't move them around (although it drives a little part of me crazy) because I know we only have a few precious years of this kind of help. We also tried to keep most of the ornaments out of Quarter-pint's reach (I did have to move some ornaments from the bottom-it's almost completely bare). Quarter-pint has still managed to unravel the ribbon I had wound around the tree, and I keep finding acrylic icicles all around the house. Half-pint was pleased with our efforts!

Half-pint Goes Skiing...

Over Thanksgiving weekend, we spent some time in the Colorado high country. We decided to let Half-pint try his hand at skiing. He's still free at the ski resorts until his birthday (in early January). The day before he hit the slopes with Daddy, the two of them picked up the rental skis and boots. As soon as they got home, Half-pint was cinched into the tiny ski boots and snapped into the miniature skis. Daddy pulled his across the carpet to practice. It was really cute to watch. The next morning we woke up to blowing snow! That's about the worst weather to take a little one out in for the first skiing adventure! We waited awhile for the temperature to rise and to see what the weather was going to do. We finally decided to brave it and bundled Half-pint in all of his new ski gear: thermal long-johns, thick ski socks, ski pants, new coat, hat, scarf, mittens, pint-sized goggles, and snow boots. He was set! Daddy, Grandpa C and Momma all went with him. It was epic (at least that's how it felt getting him ready and actually to the ski slopes!). After we all piled out of the car, and got Half-pint into his ski boots and skis, we took him to the flats and between Daddy and Grandpa C, they took turns pulling him back and forth, and even down some little hills. Half-pint seemed to have a good time, but he was quite clear that he did not want to go on the chair lift! I don't blame him, it was a cold, windy day. We had him completely bundled-I don't think he had any skin exposed to the harsh conditions. He did great-although we didn't make much progress. But he lasted a little more than an hour! Good job Half-pint!